Conservocation Intern Meet-up 2025

28 August - 7 October 2025

As part of YELL’s ongoing effort to build a stronger support network among our Conservocation interns, a series of regional meetups were organised across Malaysia to encourage experience sharing, peer learning, and reflection. These sessions provided a safe space for interns to discuss their journeys, celebrate successes, and identify ways to strengthen collaboration with their host organisations.
 

Klang Valley Meetup #1, Held at SEEDS Malaysia (28 August 2025)

The first meetup brought together interns based in or near the Klang Valley, including several from the Northern zone, for a full day of learning and connection at SEEDS Malaysia. Facilitated by Ratio:Cause, the session featured:

• Icebreakers and creative prompts to spark conversation and reflection.
• An engaging introduction to SEEDS Malaysia’s work and a hands-on food forest and composting tour, led by their resident intern.
• A peer sharing session where interns reflected on their roles, challenges, and lessons learned.
• A safe-space discussion (under Chatham House rules) to encourage open dialogue on workplace communication, well-being, and learning experiences.
   

 

Key takeaways included the importance of two-way communication with supervisors, managing workload expectations, and recognising the value of technical guidance and support.

Other Regional Meetups

Following the success of the Klang Valley session, additional intern gatherings were held in other regions with similar goals of fostering community and learning. Each meetup adapted the format to its local context, continuing to strengthen the network of passionate young conservationists across Malaysia.
 

Northern Zone Meetup #2, Held at Pulihara (3 September 2025) 

 

• Stronger peer connections and shared learning: Interns formed supportive bonds and exchanged reflections and lessons, strengthening motivation and peer learning beyond the internship.
• Increased appreciation of culture-linked conservation: Tanoti’s sharing and the songket weaving showcase deepened interns’ understanding of how sustainability connects with cultural identity and local livelihoods.
• Reflection circles remain valuable: The reflection space surfaced shared challenges and good practices, reinforcing peer circles as a key feature for future Cohort Connects, with scope to expand across zones.